CN102341684B - Pressure gage with magnetically coupled diaphragm - Google Patents

Abstract

A gage having a motion detection mechanism magnetically attached to a pressure sensing diaphragm. The motion detection mechanism is magnetically coupled to a pointer rotation mechanism configured to indicate the position of the diaphragm and the corresponding pressure sensed by the diaphragm.

Description

Pressure Gauge with Magnetically Bonded Diaphragm

related application

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61/157,975, filed March 6, 2009.

Background technique

The present disclosure relates to a manometer having a motion detection mechanism magnetically attached to a pressure sensing flexible diaphragm, the motion detection mechanism magnetically coupled to a pointer rotation mechanism configured to indicate the position of the diaphragm and by The corresponding pressure sensed by the diaphragm.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a manometer of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the manometer;

Figure 3 is a perspective cross section of the manometer;

Figure 4 is a perspective cross-section of a manometer;

Figure 5 is a perspective cross section of the manometer;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the manometer;

Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the base element of the housing;

Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the base element of the housing;

Figure 9 is a side elevational view of the base element of the housing;

Figure 10 is a front elevational view of the base element of the housing;

Figure 11 is a bottom side view of the base element of the housing;

Figure 12 is a rear elevational view of the base element of the housing;

Figure 13 is a cross section taken along line 13-13 of Figure 10;

Figure 14 is a cross section taken along line 14-14 of Figure 10;

Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of the sealing element of the housing;

Figure 16 is a front perspective view of the sealing element;

Figure 17 is a front elevational view of the sealing element;

Figure 18 is a cross section taken along line 18-18 of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a cross-section taken along line 19-19 of Figure 17;

Figure 20 is a rear elevational view of the sealing element;

Figure 21 is a side view of the sealing element;

Figure 22 is a front elevational view of the cover;

Figure 23 is a cross section taken along line 23-23 of Figure 22;

Figure 24 is a cross-section taken along line 24-24 of Figure 22;

Figure 25 is a rear elevational view of the cover;

Figure 26 is a side elevational view of the cover;

Figure 27 is a front elevational view of the diaphragm;

Figure 28 is a cross-section taken along line 28-28 of Figure 27;

Figure 29 is a perspective view of a motion detection mechanism;

Figure 30 is an exploded view of the motion detection mechanism;

31 is a perspective view of a beam and magnet mounting assembly of a motion detection mechanism;

Figure 32 is a front elevational view of the cap;

Figure 33 is a bottom view of the cap;

Figure 34 is a rear elevational view of the cap;

Figure 35 is a front elevational view of the mounting bracket;

Figure 36 is a cross section taken along line 36-36 of Figure 35;

Figure 37 is a perspective view of a screw;

Figure 38 is a perspective view of the screw housing;

Figure 39 is a top plan view of the screw housing;

Figure 40 is a side elevational view of the screw housing;

Figure 41 is a left end view of the screw housing;

Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 42-42 of Figure 40;

43 is a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a manometer of the present disclosure;

Figure 44 is a rear perspective view of the manometer of Figure 43 including the mounting means;

Figure 45 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a locking element of the mounting device;

Figure 46 is a rear elevational view of the mounting device;

Figure 47 is a side elevational view of the mounting device; and

Figure 48 is a front elevational view of the mounting device.

Detailed ways

A meter 10 according to the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The gauge 10 may be a manometer suitable for sensing and indicating a measured pressure, which may be the pressure difference between the pressure of the first fluid and the pressure of the second fluid. The meter 10 includes a compartment 12 having a housing 14 , a cover 16 removably coupled to the housing 14 , and a generally linear central axis 32 .

The housing 14 includes a base member 18 and a sealing member 20 removably coupled to the base member 18 as shown in FIGS. 7-21 . The base member 18 includes a generally cylindrical peripheral sidewall 22 extending from a first end 24 to a second end 26 . The sidewall 22 includes a generally circular peripheral first rim 28 at the first end 24 and a generally circular peripheral second rim 30 at the second end 26 . The sidewall 22 and the first and second rims 28 , 30 are generally concentrically positioned about an axis 32 . The base member 18 includes an end wall 34 positioned within the side wall 22 adjacent to but spaced inwardly from the second end 26 . End wall 34 is generally perpendicular to axis 32 . End wall 34 is connected to the inner surface of side wall 22 along a generally circular perimeter. The base member 18 includes a front cavity 36 positioned within the side wall 22 between the first end 24 and the end wall 34 . End wall 34 includes a generally circular pressure relief port 38 that communicates with anterior chamber 36 . A pressure relief plug 39 is removably positioned in pressure relief port 38 to seal port 38 . The first rim 28 forms a first opening 29 and the second rim 30 forms a second opening 31 . The sidewall 22 includes a plurality of mounting apertures 35 , for example four mounting apertures 35 , generally evenly spaced from one another about the axis 32 . Each mounting aperture 35 is positioned between the end wall 34 and the second rim 30 . Each mounting aperture 35 includes a generally linear proximal edge positioned adjacent end wall 34 , a generally linear distal edge 37 spaced from end wall 34 and generally parallel to end wall 34 , and A pair of spaced apart generally linear side edges extending therebetween. The side edges slope towards each other as they extend towards the distal edge 37 .

End wall 34 includes a recess 40 having a generally circular perimeter 42 and a bottom wall 44 . The bottom wall 44 includes a centrally located generally flat portion and an annular side wall portion extending around the flat portion. The side wall portion of the bottom wall 44 extends from the flat portion to the edge 42 in a generally concavely curved manner in the form of a circular arc. The recess 40 forms a rear cavity 46 on the side of the end wall 34 opposite the front cavity 36 . The edge 42 forms an opening in communication with a rear cavity 46 . Edge 42 is positioned concentrically about a linear axis 48 parallel to axis 32 and spaced therebetween. Bottom wall 44 includes a generally circular port 50 positioned generally concentrically about axis 48 . Port 50 is in fluid communication with front chamber 36 and rear chamber 46 and places front chamber 36 and rear chamber 46 in fluid communication with each other. A generally circular slot 52 is positioned in the outer surface of end wall 34 and extends generally concentrically about axis 48 and edge 42 of recess 40 . The end wall 34 also includes a generally circular port 56 in fluid communication with the anterior cavity 36 . Port 56 is located radially outward from recess 40 and edge 42 relative to axis 48 . An annular groove 58 extends concentrically about port 56 in the outer surface of end wall 34 and is configured to receive a resilient spring washer 60 , such as an O-ring. A plurality of connector elements 62 are attached to the outer surface of the end wall 34 and are generally evenly spaced about the axis 48 and radially outward from the edge 42 of the recess 40 . Each connector element 62 includes a generally U-shaped collet extending outwardly from the end wall 34 and generally perpendicular to the end wall 34 . The first rim 28 of the side wall 22 includes a generally circular groove 66 configured to receive a resilient spring washer 68 , such as an O-ring. The first end 24 of the side wall 22 has external threads. The second end 26 of the side wall 22 includes a notch 70 adjacent the port 56 . The base element 18 may be formed from a plastic material.

The sealing element 20 of the housing 14 includes an inner surface having a recess 74 forming an outer cavity 76 as shown in FIGS. 15-21 . Recess 74 includes a generally circular perimeter 78 , a generally planar bottom wall 80 , and a curved sidewall 82 extending between bottom wall 80 and perimeter 78 . A generally circular annular groove 84 extends generally concentrically about the axis 48 around the rim 78 of the recess 74 . The generally C-shaped elements 88A and 88B extend outwardly from the inner surface of the sealing element 20 and are generally concentrically arranged about the axis 48 in a generally circular and annular manner relative to each other. Cavity 90 is formed between C-shaped elements 88A-B. Gaps 92A-B are formed between respective ends of C-shaped elements 88A-B and communicate with cavity 90 . A slot 94 formed in the inner surface of the recess 74 extends generally linearly outward from the gap 92B to a distal end spaced from the sidewall 82 . A groove 96 is formed in the inner surface of the recess 74 extending generally linearly from the gap 92A to the side wall 82 . Slots 94 and 96 are positioned in alignment with each other and extend generally radially outward with respect to axis 48 .

Sealing element 20 includes a first fluid conduit 98 . The first fluid conduit 98 includes a first fluid channel 100 having a first port 102 formed in the distal end of the first fluid conduit 98 and a second port 104 formed in the sidewall 82 of the recess 74 . The second port 104 of the first fluid channel 100 is in fluid communication with the outer cavity 76 of the recess 74 and the groove 96 . Ears 106 are attached to the circular periphery of sealing element 20 . Ear portion 106 includes a generally planar inner surface 108 . A second fluid conduit 110 is connected to the ear 106 . The second fluid conduit 110 includes a second fluid channel 112 having a first port 114 at a distal end of the second fluid conduit 110 and a second port 116 formed generally concentrically within the inner surface 108 of the ear 106 . A plurality of struts 118 are mounted to the outer surface of sealing element 20 and extend outwardly therefrom. The struts 118 are generally evenly spaced about the axis 48 . Each strut 118 is configured to be releasably engaged by the connector element 62 of the base element 18 to releasably couple the sealing element 20 to the base element 18 . The sealing element 20 may be formed from a plastic material.

As shown in FIGS. 22-26 , the cover 16 includes a ribbed, generally circular peripheral rim 122 that surrounds a clear lens 124 . The rim 122 is internally threaded and configured to be helically engaged to the first end 24 of the base member 18 . The rim 122 includes a generally annular flat surface 126 configured to engage the gasket 68 when the cover 16 is coupled to the base member 18 . The gasket 68 thus forms a fluid-tight seal between the first end 24 of the base member 18 and the cover 16 . The cover 16 is selectively removable and replaceable on the base element 18 . Cover 16 may be formed from a plastic material.

The meter 10 includes a flexible membrane 130 . Diaphragm 130 includes a rigid generally disk-shaped circular diaphragm plate 132 positioned concentrically about axis 48 and generally perpendicular to axis 48 . Struts 134 extend outward along axis 48 and are generally perpendicular to the inner surface of plate 132 . Proximal ends of struts 134 are bonded to plate 132 . The distal end of strut 134 includes a plurality of finger gripping elements 136 . Connector element 138 is joined to the distal end of strut 134 by clamping element 136 . The connector element 138 has a curved surface such as a ball or a curved spherical surface of a sphere. The connector element 138 may be formed as a sphere and may be formed from a ferromagnetic metallic material. Diaphragm 130 also includes a generally annular resilient and flexible diaphragm element 140 extending around diaphragm plate 132 . Diaphragm element 140 includes an inner generally circular edge joined to an outer circular edge of diaphragm plate 132 . Diaphragm element 140 includes a circumferential circular rim 142 having a generally elliptical cross-section. As shown in FIG. 28 , the diaphragm member 140 is curved in a substantially circular arc shape between the inner rim and the outer rim 142 of the diaphragm member 140 such that the diaphragm member 140 has an annular convex curved surface and an annular concave curvature. surface.

The membrane 130 is bonded to the base element 18 by the sealing element 20 . The rim 142 of the diaphragm member 140 is positioned within the groove 52 of the base member 18 and the strut 134 extends from the rear cavity 46 through the port 50 in the bottom wall 44 of the recess 40 and into the front cavity 36 of the base member 18 . The connector element 138 of the membrane 130 is thus positioned in the front cavity 36 . The rim 142 of the diaphragm member 140 is also positioned within the groove 84 of the sealing member 20 when the sealing member 20 is joined to the base member 18 by the connector member 62 . Rim 142 forms a fluid-tight seal between groove 52 and groove 84 and between base member 18 and sealing member 20 . The gasket 60 engages the inner surface 108 of the ear 106 to form a fluid-tight seal between the ear 106 and the base member 18 . The second port 116 of the second fluid channel 112 is in fluid communication with the port 56 in the base member 18 and thus with the front cavity 36 of the base member 18 . The meter 10 includes a first fluid chamber 146 including the outer chamber 76 of the sealing member 20 and a second fluid chamber 148 including the front chamber 36 and the rear chamber 46 of the base member 18 . The first fluid chamber 146 and the second fluid chamber 148 are fluid-tightly sealed to each other by the diaphragm 130 . The first fluid chamber 146 is in fluid communication with the first fluid channel 100 of the first fluid conduit 98 and the first port 102 . The second fluid chamber 148 is in fluid communication with the second fluid channel 112 of the second fluid conduit 110 and the first port 114 .

Each fluid chamber 146 and 148 may be placed in fluid communication with a respective fluid source. If desired, a fluid chamber may be placed in fluid communication with the atmosphere. The first fluid chamber 146 is separate from and fluid-tightly sealed from the second fluid chamber 148 . Plate 132 , strut 134 , and connector element 138 move along axis 48 in response to a pressure differential between fluid pressure in first fluid chamber 146 and fluid pressure in second fluid chamber 148 . C-shaped elements 88A-B are configured to space diaphragm plate 132 from the inner surface of recess 74 .

The scale 10 includes a motion transmission mechanism 154 that includes a motion detection mechanism 156 . The motion detection mechanism 156 as shown in FIGS. 29-31 includes a mounting base 160 joined to the end wall 34 of the base member 18 by fasteners 161 within the front cavity 36 . The mounting base 160 extends between a first end 162 and a second end 164 . Mounting base 160 includes a generally planar raised surface 166 at first end 162 and a generally planar recessed surface 168 extending from a location adjacent raised surface 166 to second end 164 of mounting base 160 . Raised surface 166 is generally parallel to recessed surface 168 . The mounting base 160 also includes outwardly extending flanges 170 that each extend along a side edge of the recessed surface 168 . Each flange 170 includes a generally planar bottom surface 172 that is generally parallel to the recessed surface 168 . The bottom surface 172 extends from the second end 164 of the mounting base 160 toward the first end 162 .

An elastically flexible and bendable cantilever beam 174 is joined to the mounting base 160 and to the end wall 34 of the base member 18 by fasteners 175 . The beam 174 includes a first end 176 and a second end 178 . The first end 176 is bonded to the raised surface 166 of the mounting base 160 . When beam 174 is in an unbiased state, beam 174 extends from first end 176 and raised surface 166 toward second end 174 generally parallel to and spaced from recessed surface 168 . Beam 174 may be in the form of a leaf or leaf spring having a generally planar top surface 180 and a generally planar bottom surface 182 generally parallel to top surface 180 . Beam 174 is resiliently bendable along its longitudinal axis 184 and may be formed of metal or other material. The length, width and thickness of the beam 174 may be selected as desired to provide the beam 174 with a desired spring rate. The second end 178 of the beam 174 includes laterally spaced apertures 186A-B. The second end 178 of the beam 174 also includes an aperture 188 positioned inwardly from the second end 178 and the apertures 186A-B. The aperture 188 is generally centrally located between the side edges of the beam 174 .

A retainer 192 is coupled to the second end 178 of the beam 174 . Holder 192 includes a substantially flat base plate 194 . Extending upwardly from the generally planar top surface of the base plate 194 is a pair of laterally spaced apart positioning elements 196A-B. Positioning element 196A extends through aperture 186A of beam 174 and positioning element 196B extends through aperture 186B such that the top surface of base plate 194 is positioned adjacent bottom surface 182 of beam 174 . Base plate 194 includes apertures 198 that align with apertures 188 in beams 174 . Three-sided walls 200 extend upwardly from base plate 194 along opposite side edges of beam 174 and along a distal edge of beam 174 at second end 178 . The holder 192 includes a receptacle 202 positioned adjacent to and outwardly from the second end 178 of the beam 174 . The socket 202 includes a pocket 204 having an open distal end configured to receive a drive magnet 206 . Attachment magnet 208 is positioned within aperture 198 of holder 192 and bonded to surface 182 of beam 174 . Attachment magnet 208 is spaced from drive magnet 206 along axis 184 . The attachment magnet 208 is configured to magnetically attach in direct contact and engagement with the connector element 138 of the diaphragm 130 . Attachment magnet 208 magnetically attaches connector element 138, post 134 and plate 132 of diaphragm 130 to second end 178 of beam 174 such that plate 132 of diaphragm 130 responds to first fluid chamber 146 and second fluid chamber Movement of the pressure differential between 148 along axis 48 provides corresponding movement of second end 178 of beam 174 and drive magnet 206 by elastically bending beam 174 along axis 184 .

The motion detection mechanism 156 also includes a spring rate adjustment mechanism 212 . The spring rate adjustment mechanism 212 includes a bottom adjustment member 214 positioned between the recessed surface 168 of the mounting base 160 and the bottom surface 182 of the beam 174 . The bottom adjustment member 214 is in the form of a generally flat plate including a generally planar bottom surface that engages the recessed surface 168 and a generally planar top surface that engages the bottom surface 182 of the beam 174 . The bottom adjustment member 214 includes a pair of fingers 216 extending outwardly and laterally from each side of the bottom adjustment member 214 , respectively. Bottom adjustment member 214 also includes a generally linear distal edge 218 extending transverse to axis 184 . The spring rate adjustment mechanism 212 also includes a top adjustment member 222 configured in substantially the same manner as the bottom adjustment member 214 . The top adjustment member 222 is formed in a generally plate-like general form and includes a generally planar bottom surface that engages the top surface 180 of the beam 174 . Top adjustment member 222 includes fingers 224 extending laterally and outwardly from each side of top adjustment mechanism member 222 relative to axis 184 . Top adjustment element 222 includes a generally linear distal edge 226 extending transversely to axis 184 and generally parallel to distal edge 218 of bottom adjustment element 214 . Top adjustment element 222 and bottom adjustment element 214 are positioned on opposite sides of beam 174 and positioned in alignment with each other.

The spring rate adjustment mechanism 212 also includes a generally U-shaped clamping member 230 having a pair of spaced apart and downwardly extending generally parallel legs 232 . Each foot 232 includes an inwardly extending lip 234 at a distal end of each foot 232 . Each foot also includes an upwardly extending slot 236 extending through lip 234 and foot 232 . Bottom adjustment member 214 and top adjustment member 222 extend between legs 232 of clamping member 230 and fingers 216 and 224 are positioned within corresponding slots 236 of legs 232 . Fingers 216 and 224 couple bottom adjustment member 214 and top adjustment member 222 to clamping member 230 while allowing bottom adjustment member 214 and top adjustment member 222 to move relative to clamping member 230 along slot 236 . Lip 234 of foot 232 is positioned below flange 170 of mounting base 160 and is adapted to engage bottom surface 172 of flange 170 . A cross member 238 having a threaded hole 240 extends between the distal ends of the legs 232 . Threaded fasteners 242 , such as set screws, are positioned within bores 240 and are threadably coupled to cross members 238 .

When the fastener 242 is in the retracted release position, the clamping member 230 and the bottom and top adjustment members 214 and 222 are selectively slidable along the axis 184 to place the distal edges 218 and 226 a third distance from the beam 174. The two ends 178 are selected distances. Beam 174 extends outwardly from distal edges 218 and 226 in a cantilevered fashion. The effective flexure length of beam 174 between distal edges 218 and 226 and second end 178 , and thus the spring rate of beam 174 , can be selectively varied by positioning distal edges 218 and 226 relative to beam 174 . When the fastener 242 is moved to the extended tensioned position, the fastener 242 presses the top adjustment member 222 into engagement with the top surface 180 of the beam 174 and presses the lip 234 of the foot 232 into the protrusion of the mounting base 160 . Bottom surface 172 of rim 170 engages such that top adjustment member 222 , bottom adjustment member 214 , and the portion of beam 174 between top and bottom adjustment members 214 and 222 are pressed into locking engagement with recessed surface 168 of mounting base 160 .

The motion transfer mechanism 154 also includes a pointer rotation mechanism 248 . The pointer rotation mechanism 248 includes a generally U-shaped bracket 250 having a first end 252 and a second end 254 positioned in the front cavity 36 of the base member 18 . The bracket 250 is generally formed as a curved plate. The bracket 250 includes a pair of spaced apart feet 256 at a second end 254 that are coupled to a mounting element 258 of the base element 18 . Bracket 250 includes an aperture 260 at first end 252 adapted to threadably receive a threaded zero adjustment screw 262 . Zero screw 262 includes a top end with a slot adapted to receive the top of a tool, such as a flat blade screwdriver, and a bottom end with a generally cylindrical shaft adapted to be received in a pocket 264 in end wall 34 of base member 18 . Zero screw 262 is adapted to extend into an aperture in cover 16 such that the top end of zero screw 262 is accessible from the exterior of meter 10 . A resilient sealing element, such as an O-ring, extends within the bore of cover 16 around zero screw 262 to form a fluid-tight seal between zero screw 262 and cover 16 . Zero adjustment screw 262 may be manually rotated relative to bracket 250 about its longitudinal axis in a desired direction to raise or lower first end 252 relative to second end 254 . Bracket 250 includes a generally circular opening 266 adjacent first end 252 that extends between a bottom surface 268 and a top surface 270 of bracket 250 . Opening 266 includes a central axis 272 and generally rectangular slots 274 diametrically opposed to each other on opposite sides of axis 272 . Axis 272 is generally parallel to and spaced from axis 48 . Axis 184 of beam 174 intersects axis 272 and axis 184 is generally perpendicular to axis 272 when beam 174 is in an unbiased state. Bracket 250 includes outwardly extending protrusions 276A and 276B extending outward from top surface 270 and positioned on opposite sides of opening 266 . Protrusions 276A-B are diametrically opposed with respect to axis 272 .

The pointer rotation mechanism 248 also includes a generally cylindrical housing 284 having a first end 286 and a second end 288 . The first end 286 includes a circular first end wall 290 spaced from and generally parallel to a circular second end wall 292 . First end wall 290 includes an aperture 294 positioned concentrically on axis 272 . Second end wall 292 includes an aperture 296 aligned with aperture 294 along axis 272 . A generally cylindrically curved side wall 298 extends generally concentrically about axis 272 between first end wall 290 and second end wall 292 and between first side edge 300 and second side edge 302 .

Housing 284 includes an opening 304 between first side edge 300 and second side edge 302 that communicates with cavity 306 formed between first and second end walls 290 and 292 and side wall 298 . The housing 284 includes a pair of generally rectangular stop elements 310 attached to the outer surface of the side wall 298 . The stop elements 310 are positioned adjacent to the first and second side edges 300 and 302 , respectively, and diametrically opposite each other with respect to the axis 272 . The stop member 310 is positioned approximately midway between the first and second end walls 290 and 292 . The stop elements 310 are configured to fit within the slots 274 of the openings 266 in the bracket 250 , respectively. Sidewall 298 is configured to snugly fit within opening 266 . Housing 284 also includes a pair of resilient clip elements 312 . Each clip element 312 includes an outwardly extending arm 314 and a resiliently flexible finger 316 attached to a distal end of the arm 314 and extending transversely thereto in a cantilevered fashion. Each finger 316 includes an outer detent groove 318 . As shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 , the fingers 316 are positioned on opposite sides of the sidewall 298 and extend from their respective arms 314 in opposite directions relative to each other. Each clip element 312 is spaced apart from the corresponding stop element 310 along the axis 272 in a direction towards the second end wall 292 such that a gap 320 is formed between each associated stop element 310 and clip element 312 , It is adapted to receive the bracket 250 . The side wall 298 includes a raised ribbed portion 322 extending outward beyond the second end wall 292 . Housing 284 may be formed from a plastic material.

The pointer rotation mechanism 248 also includes a screw member 328 having a first end 332 and a second end 334 as shown in FIG. 37 . The screw 328 includes a shaft 336 extending along the axis 272 between a first end 332 and a second end 334 . The helical member 328 also includes a helical flange 338 extending helically about the shaft 336 and the axis 272 . The helical flange 338 includes a helical edge 340 . The screw 328 is formed from a ferromagnetic metallic material. The screw 328 is positioned within the cavity 306 of the housing 284, and the first end 332 of the shaft 336 is rotatably coupled to the first end wall 290 of the housing 284 by the bearing 342 and the second end 334 of the shaft 336 is rotatably coupled by the bearing 344. Rotationally coupled to the second end wall 292 of the housing 284 . A first pin couples the first end 332 of the shaft 336 to the bearing 342 and a second pin couples the second end of the shaft 336 to the bearing 344 . A generally linear, elongated pointer 346 includes a proximal end coupled to the first end 334 of the helical member 328 . A counterweight 348 , such as a plate-like element, is coupled to second end 334 of shaft 336 , and a proximal end of pointer 346 may be coupled to counterweight 348 . The counterweight 348 extends outwardly from the axis 272 in the opposite direction that the pointer 346 extends from the axis 272 such that the counterweight 348 balances the weight of the pointer 346 . Screw 328 , pointer 346 , and counterweight 348 are conjointly rotatable and pivotable relative to housing 284 about axis 272 .

The assembly comprising housing 284, screw 328, and pointer 346 is achieved by inserting first end 286 of housing 284 through opening 266 in bracket 250 and inserting stop element 310 through slot 274 in opening 266, respectively. to be removably coupled to the bracket 250. Housing 284 can then be rotated about axis 272 in a generally clockwise direction as seen in FIG. They are respectively positioned in the positioning grooves of the clip element 312 . Clip element 312 releasably secures housing 284 to bracket 250 . The assembly including housing 284, screw 328 and pointer 346 is thereby selectively removable and replaceable from bracket 250 for repair or replacement.

The gauge 10 includes a scale plate 350 covering the second end 254 of the bracket 250 and coupled to the bracket 250 . Scale plate 350 includes a generally linear bottom edge 351 adapted to engage protrusions 352A and 352B of bracket 250 . Scale plate 350 may be fastened to bracket 250 with fasteners extending through apertures 354A-B in bracket 250 . Scale plate 350 may include a scale for indicating sensed pressure by the rotational position of the distal end of pointer 346 relative to the scale.

The meter 10 also includes a cap 360 , as shown in FIGS. 32-34 , configured to cover and bond to the first end 252 of the bracket 250 . The back of the cap 360 includes a pair of spaced apart detent members 362 configured to releasably grip opposite side edges of the bracket 250 therebetween, and a top portion adapted to engage the bracket 250 when the cap 360 is coupled to the bracket 250. A pair of spaced apart struts 364 of face 270. Cap 360 includes a hole 368 configured to receive the top end of zero screw 262 such that the top of zero screw 262 is accessible through hole 368 when cover 16 is removed from base member 18 . The back of cap 360 also includes a pair of spaced apart pointer stop elements 370 . Pointer stop element 370 is configured to engage pointer 346 to limit the range of rotation or pivoting of pointer 346 as pointer 346 pivots about axis 272 . Cap 360 is formed from a plastic material. Cap 360 snaps to bracket 250 so that cap 360 can be removed and replaced as required.

The first fluid cavity 146 is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a first fluid having a first pressure through the first fluid channel 100 and the second fluid cavity 148 is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a second fluid having a second pressure through the second fluid channel 112 . Fluids are in fluid communication. A second increase in the pressure of the first fluid in first fluid chamber 146 relative to the second pressure of the second fluid in second fluid chamber 148 will cause diaphragm 130 (including diaphragm plate 132, post 134, and connector element 138) to Movement of the beam 174 in the first direction along the axis 48 causes the diaphragm 130 to elastically bend the beam 174 along the axis 184 in a direction toward the bracket 250 and away from the end wall 34 . Conversely, a reduction in the pressure of the first fluid in first fluid chamber 146 relative to the pressure of the second fluid in second fluid chamber 148 will cause diaphragm 130 (comprising plate 132, strut 134, and connector element 138) to move along axis 48 moves in a second direction, opposite the first direction, away from beam 174 and toward end wall 34 . Once the beam 174 reaches its unbiased position, due to the magnetic connection between the connector element 138 of the diaphragm 130 and the attachment magnet 208 of the beam 174 bonded to the motion detection mechanism 156, the diaphragm 130 continues in the second direction. The movement will pull the beam 174 toward the end wall 34 of the base member 18 and away from the bracket 250 . The generally spherical surface of the connector element 138 engages the generally planar surface of the attachment magnet 208 in point contact. This point of contact allows the diaphragm 130 to move back and forth in the first or second direction along and generally parallel to the axis 48 in its most natural position. Diaphragm 130 is thus adapted to push or pull beam 174 in response to pressure changes between first fluid chamber 146 and second fluid chamber 148 .

Displacement of the diaphragm 130 in response to the sensed pressure causes the beam 174 to bend or flex, thereby displacing the drive magnet 206 generally parallel to the axis to a position corresponding to the pressure sensed by the diaphragm 130 . The substantially linear displacement and resulting position of the drive magnet 206 corresponds to the pressure differential applied to the diaphragm 130 . The drive magnet 206 is positioned adjacent to the screw 328 but separated by an air gap so that the screw 328 is magnetically coupled to the drive magnet 206 . A magnetic circuit is formed between the drive magnet 206 and the screw 328, spanning the air gap therebetween. Substantially linear movement of the drive magnet 206 in response to the linear movement of the diaphragm 130 causes an angular or rotational displacement or movement of the screw 328 and thus the pointer 346 about the axis 272 . Pointer 346 thus provides a visual indication of the pressure sensed by diaphragm 130 relative to the scale on scale plate 350 .

An alternate embodiment of a meter of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 43 and 44 and identified by reference numeral 380 . Meter 380 and meter 10 are constructed similarly to each other and like parts are labeled with the same reference numerals. Meter 380 operates in the same manner as meter 10 . The only difference between the meter 380 and the meter 10 is the configuration of the sealing element 382 of the meter 380 and the sealing element 20 of the meter 10 . The sealing element 382 includes a first fluid conduit 384 including a first fluid channel 100 and a first port 102 at a distal end of the first fluid conduit 384 . The sealing element 382 also includes a second fluid conduit 386 that includes the second fluid channel 112 and the first port 114 at a distal end of the second fluid conduit 386 . In the same manner as meter 10 , first fluid channel 100 of meter 380 is in fluid communication with first fluid chamber 146 , and second fluid channel 112 of meter 380 is in fluid communication with second fluid chamber 148 . The second fluid conduit 386 includes a proximal end attached to the ear 106 . First and second fluid conduits 384 and 386 extend generally parallel to each other and to axis 32 as they extend outward from their proximal ends toward their distal ends, rather than parallel to axis 32 as in meter 10. Extend generally transversely.

As shown in FIG. 44 , the meter 380 is removably coupled to the mounting device 400 . The meter 10 can also be removably coupled to the mounting device 400 in the same manner as the meter 380 . As shown in FIGS. 46-48 , mounting device 400 includes a generally planar and circular plate 402 having a generally planar inner surface 404 and a generally planar outer surface 406 spaced from and generally parallel to inner surface 404 . Plate 402 includes a central axis 408 extending generally transverse to plate 402 and inner and outer surfaces 404 , 406 . Plate 402 includes a generally circular perimeter 410 extending generally concentrically about axis 408 . Perimeter 410 includes a plurality of elongated notches 412 that are generally evenly spaced from one another about axis 408 . As shown in Figures 46 and 48, the perimeter 410 includes four notches 412, although additional or fewer notches may be used. Each notch 412 extends along perimeter 410 between a first end 414 and a second end 416 .

Plate 402 includes a generally circular first access aperture 418 and a generally circular second access aperture 420 . As shown in FIG. 44, when the meter 380 is coupled to the mounting device 400 so that the fluid supply conduits can be connected to the first fluid conduit 384 and the second fluid conduit 386 through the first and second access apertures 418 and 420, respectively, the first Access aperture 418 is adapted to align with first fluid conduit 384 and second access aperture 420 is adapted to align with second fluid conduit 386 . Plate 402 includes a plurality of mounting apertures 424 , such as three mounting apertures 424 , that are generally evenly spaced from each other about axis 408 and inwardly from perimeter 410 . Lugs 426 are positioned on opposite sides of each mounting aperture 424 and extend outwardly from the inner surface 404 of the plate 402 . Each mounting aperture 424 is adapted to receive a fastener, such as a bolt or screw, for attaching the mounting device 400 to a fixture, such as a panel, wall, etc., and the outer surface 406 of the plate 402 is positioned adjacent the fixture. The head of the fastener is positioned between the lugs 426 adjacent each mounting aperture 424 . The first and second access apertures 418 and 420 of the plate 402 may be aligned with mating apertures in the fixture through which a fluid supply conduit may extend.

Mounting aperture 400 includes a plurality of locking elements 430 attached to plate 402 . As shown in the figures, four locking elements 430 are attached to the plate 402, although fewer or additional locking elements may be used. The locking elements 430 are generally evenly spaced from one another about the axis 408 and positioned adjacent the perimeter 410 of the plate 402 . Each locking element 430 is attached to the inner surface 404 of the plate 402 adjacent to a corresponding notch 412 . Each locking member 430 includes a resiliently bendable elongate lever arm 432 extending between a first end 434 and a second end 436 . First end 434 of lever arm 432 is attached to a distal end of strut 438 . Proximal ends of struts 438 are attached to inner surface 404 of plate 402 adjacent first end 414 of slot 412 and are spaced slightly inwardly from perimeter 410 of plate 402 . The struts 438 extend generally perpendicular to the inner surface 404 of the plate 402 and generally parallel to the axis 408 . Lever arm 432 extends generally perpendicular to strut 438 and generally parallel to and spaced from inner surface 404 of plate 402 . The lever arm 432 includes an inner surface 440 and an outer surface 442 . The second end 436 of the lever arm 432 includes an end surface 444 extending between an inner surface 440 and an outer surface 442 . End surface 444 slopes inwardly as it extends from outer surface 442 to inner surface 440 . The lever arm 442 and its inner and outer surfaces 440 , 442 are curved to conform to corresponding radii from the axis 408 .

Each locking member 430 includes a stop member 448 attached to the second end 436 of the lever arm 432 and extending outwardly from the outer surface 442 of the lever arm 432 . The stop element 448 is disposed above the notch 412 and adjacent to the second end 416 of the notch 412 . The stop element 448 includes a generally planar engagement surface 450 . Engagement surface 450 is generally coplanar with the bottom surface of lever arm 432 and spaced from and generally parallel to a plane containing inner surface 404 of plate 402 . The stop element 448 includes a sloped biasing surface 452 extending downwardly and outwardly from the top edge of the outer surface 442 of the lever arm 432 to an outer surface 454 . Outer surface 454 is positioned at an outer edge of engagement surface 450 and extends upwardly therefrom to biasing surface 452 . Outer surface 454 is generally perpendicular to engagement surface 450 . The stop member 448 and the second end 436 of the arm 432 are movable between an unbiased extended position and a retracted position as shown in FIG. The lever arm 432 is moved from the retracted position toward the axis 408 by resiliently flexing the lever arm 432 in a direction parallel to the inner surface 404 of the plate 402 . The lever arm 432 resiliently biases the stop member 448 and the second end 436 of the lever arm 432 toward the extended position.

As previously described, the mounting device 400 may be attached to a fixture through the use of fasteners extending through the mounting aperture 424 . Mounting device 400 may alternatively be attached to the fixture by other fastening means, such as adhesives. The meter 10 or meter 380 is then aligned with the mounting device 400 such that the axis 32 is substantially coaxial with the axis 408 and such that each mounting aperture 35 of the meter 10 or 380 is in corresponding stop with the locking element 430 of the mounting device 400 Element 448 is aligned. The gauge 10 or 380 is then manually moved along the axis 408 towards the mounting device 400 so that the rim 30 of the base element 18 engages the biasing surface 452 of the stop element 448 of the locking element 430 . As the gauge 10 or 380 moves further toward the mounting device 400, the rim 30 slides along the biasing surface 452 of the locking element 430 and elastically inwardly toward the axis 408 from their extended position towards their retracted position. Movement stop member 448 and second end 436 of lever arm 432 of locking member 430 .

When the rim 30 of the base member 18 engages the inner surface 404 of the plate 402, the rim 30 will have passed the stop member 448 such that the lever arm 432 resiliently biases the stop member 448 towards the extended position and into the base member 18 The corresponding mounting hole diameter 35. The stop elements 448 protrude into the mounting aperture 35 such that the engagement surface 450 of each stop element 448 is adapted to engage the distal edge 37 of the mounting aperture 35, thereby preventing removal of the meter 10 or 380 from the mounting aperture 400 along the axis 408. . The fluid supply conduits may then be connected to first and second fluid conduits 98 and 110 of meter 10 through slots 70 , or to first and second fluid conduits 384 and 386 of meter 380 through access apertures 418 and 420 .

When desired, the second end 436 of the lever arm 432 is flexed or bent inwardly toward the retracted position by manually applying pressure on the outer surface 454 of the stop member 448 with a tool such as a screwdriver or the like so that the stop member 448 and the engagement surface 450 are removed from the mounting aperture 35 of the base member 18 so that the meter 10 or 380 can then be removed from the mounting device 400 along the axis 408 so that the meter 10 or 380 can be selectively removed from the mounting device 400 remove.

Meter 10 may be converted to meter 380 by replacing sealing element 20 with sealing element 382 for back mounting of a fluid supply conduit. Similarly, meter 380 may be converted to meter 10 by replacing sealing element 382 with sealing element 20 for side mounting of a fluid supply conduit.

Various features of the invention have been specifically shown and described in connection with the illustrated embodiments of the invention. It must be understood, however, that these specific arrangements are examples only, and that the invention be most fully construed in the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. A gauge for sensing pressure, said gauge comprising: a base member comprising an end wall having a first recess comprising a bottom wall and a perimeter; a sealing element removably bonded to the base element, the sealing element comprising a second recess having a generally planar bottom wall and a perimeter; a diaphragm positioned between the first recess of the end wall and the second recess of the sealing member such that a first fluid cavity is formed between the diaphragm and the second recess of the sealing member between two recesses and a second fluid cavity is formed between said diaphragm and said bottom wall of said first recess of said end wall; a first fluid channel in fluid communication with the first fluid cavity; and a second fluid channel in fluid communication with the second fluid chamber; The sealing element is thereby selectively removable from the base element to enable the diaphragm to be removed and replaced. 2. The meter of claim 1, wherein said base member includes a side wall having a first end and a second end, said end wall being positioned within said side wall, said sealing element being positioned at a side wall formed at said end. wall and said second end of said side wall in the rear cavity. 3. The gauge of claim 2, including a cap removably coupled to said first end of said side wall of said base member. 4. A meter according to claim 1, comprising one or more connector elements attached to said end wall of said base element, said connector elements being adapted to releasably couple said sealing element to said end wall of said base element. The end wall of the base element. 5. A meter according to claim 4, wherein each said connector element comprises a generally U-shaped collet and said sealing element comprises one or more posts, each said post being adapted to be inserted by a corresponding collet. Releasably engaged. 6. The meter according to claim 1, wherein said sealing element comprises: a first fluid conduit comprising said first fluid passage; a second fluid conduit comprising said second fluid passage; An ear portion on the periphery of the sealing element, the ear portion including a first port in fluid communication with the second fluid passage. 7. The meter of claim 6, wherein said end wall of said base member includes a second port positioned outwardly from said first recess of said end wall, said second port of said end wall In fluid communication with the first port of the ear when the sealing element is bonded to the base element, the bottom wall of the first recess of the end wall includes a third port, the third A port is in fluid communication with the second port of the end wall such that the second fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the second fluid conduit. 8. A gauge according to claim 7, comprising a cover removably coupled in sealing engagement with said base member, said cover and said base member forming a contact with said first recess of said end wall. A front chamber in fluid communication with the third port of the bottom wall and the second port of the end wall. 9. The meter according to claim 1, wherein said sealing element comprises: a fluid conduit having a first port and a second port, said fluid conduit comprising said first fluid passage; and a fluid conduit formed within said sealing element. A groove in the surface with which the second port of the fluid conduit is in fluid communication, the groove extending generally radially outward toward the second port of the fluid conduit. 10. The meter of claim 1, wherein said sealing member comprises one or more generally C-shaped members extending outwardly from an inner surface of said sealing member, said C-shaped member being adapted to couple said diaphragm to The inner surfaces of the sealing elements are spaced apart. 11. The meter of claim 2, wherein said second end of said side wall of said base member includes a plurality of mounting apertures, said meter further comprising: mounting means, said mounting means including a plate attached to the fixture; and a plurality of locking elements attached to the plate, each of the locking elements comprising: an elastically deflectable lever arm comprising a first lever coupled to the plate end and a second end; and a stop member attached to the second end of the lever arm, each stop member being adapted to be received in a corresponding mounting aperture of the side wall of the base member to Mounting the base elements to the mounting means, each of the stop elements is selectively movable from its associated mounting aperture by flexing the second end of the lever arm inwardly toward a retracted position. In addition, the base element is removable from the mounting device in the retracted position.